A Lady's Letter.

Manawatu Herald, 21 July 1894, Page 2

A Lady's Letter.

Wellington, 19th July, 1894

The Wellington Guards gave their annual ball the night before last and at it, as is usual, the prizes were presented, and in this case, by Lady Augusta Boyle. The Mayor in his speech said the company was in a flourishing condition and Mr A. S. Patterson, the Capt. of the Guards, pointed out afterwards that Mr A. Ballinger should be especially mentioned, having the Company's belt presented that night permanently for his own, he having won it no less than five times in succession.

The Earl of Glasgow was present and also Mrs Stewart and Capt. Clayton and a number of influential citizens. There being fully 100 couples, Minifie's band supplying the best of music.

Mr Ward is back again in the House and of course, hard at work, but I can see that he is still feeling the effects of his illness. He needs a change, and I am afraid will not be himself again until he gets it. Some of the new members are very amusing. Mr W. H. Montgomery electrifies the house, for instance by giving forth this statement :—"England, a country far behind New Zealand." Never mind, Mr Montgomery, you have got a conscience and that is an excellent quality for a young politician to begin with. Long may yon keep it 1 On Tuesday night most of le beau monde betook themselves to the Hutt by special train at the invitation of Dr and Mrs Purdy, who promised private theatricals and a dance at the Oddfellow's Hall. The night was a fine one and the outing altogether, was thoroughly enjoyed. The pieces chosen for the theatricals were " Dream Faces " and " Betsy Baker " and both were exceedingly well acted, indeed so well as to fairly astonish the audience. The performers were Mrs T. M. Wilford, Miss Maud Grace, Miss M. Burnett, Dr Purdy and Mr Ross Gore, the stage manager being Mr P. Parfitfc. After the performance, the chairs were removed and dancing was carried on until midnight, when another special train conveyed the town visitors home.

Mrs Purdy received in a beautiful gown of black with balloon sleeves of sea green silk, her sash being of the same and tied at the side. Amongst the guests were Sir James and Lady Hector, Lady Bucklev, Hon. G. McLean, of Dunedin, the Mayor of Petone (Mr Kirk) and Mrs Kirk, Mrs Newman, Mr and Mis E. J. Ridderford, Mrs and the Misses Grace, Mr and Mrs G. Pearce, Misj Holmes, Miss Wilford, etc.

Last night Mrs Walter Johnston gave a very pleasant " At Home " to about 80 guests, dancing being the order of the evening. The supper table, drawing-room and ball room were all beautifully decorated, and tha verandah was covered in and furnished as a sitting out room.

Mrs Johnston wore a very handsome black gown and the Misses Johnston wore white satin and chiffon. Dr and Mrs Collins were the»'e and also Mr and Miss Pearce, Mr and Mrs Werry, Oapt. and Mrs Johnston Stewart, Lady Augusta Boyle, Miss Holroyd, Oapt. and Mrs Russell, Mr and Mrs H. D. Bell, and the Misses Tolburst, Williams, Duncan, Grace, Cooper, Gore, Richardson and Douglas.

SIGNA.